Environmental, Social and Governance

In a world shaped by accountability and climate urgency, ESG is business-critical

We help clients understand and respond to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues with clarity and confidence. As global frameworks tighten and stakeholder expectations grow, our team brings deep legal and regulatory insight to help clients stay ahead, manage risk, and find opportunity.

Our clients range from major corporates and financial institutions to government bodies and emerging enterprises. Whether you're navigating new climate disclosure rules, supply chain transparency, or board governance, we support you with clear, strategic advice grounded in local and global knowledge.

Our cross-practice ESG team draws on experience across sectors and legal areas to deliver practical, forward-looking solutions. We work closely with clients to embed ESG into business strategy, operations, and reporting, supporting both compliance and long-term value.

We advise on:

  • Climate risk, transition planning and resource efficiency
  • ESG reporting, disclosure and regulatory compliance
  • Human rights, modern slavery and ethical supply chains
  • Anti-bribery, anti-corruption and corporate conduct
  • Product governance, tax transparency and responsible investment
  • ESG-related litigation, greenwashing risk and reputational management
Our Expertise in Environmental, Social and Governance
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Industry Recognition
  • Band 2, Climate Change (Asia Pacific Region)
    Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2025

Your ESG legal partner in action

Climate risk assessment for an Australian energy company

Our client, an Australian energy company, faced challenges related to climate change risks, impacting its long-term operational strategy. Our team conducted a comprehensive climate risk assessment, identifying vulnerabilities and opportunities for adaptation. We provided actionable recommendations for integrating climate considerations into business planning and investment decisions. The company was able to secure funding for innovative renewable projects, positioning itself as a leader in the transition to sustainable energy while enhancing its resilience to climate impacts.

Driving ESG compliance and climate disclosure for a major bank

We worked with a leading Australian bank to assess its ESG obligations under incoming climate disclosure rules. Our advice covered legal, reputational and operational risks. We also helped design internal governance processes to support ongoing reporting — ensuring alignment with evolving ASIC and international standards.

Advising on modern slavery risk in a global supply chain

A multinational client engaged us to assess human rights risks across its Asia-Pacific supply chain. We supported its modern slavery compliance strategy, including supplier due diligence and remediation pathways, while managing reputational sensitivities and reporting obligations.

Integrating ESG into investment and risk frameworks

We advised a superannuation fund on incorporating ESG factors into investment decision-making and risk governance. Our work supported the fund’s obligations under the Corporations Act, while aligning with APRA expectations on climate risk and stewardship responsibilities.

Sustainable resource management for a manufacturing client

A leading manufacturing company faced increasing pressure to improve its environmental impact while complying with new regulations. Our team conducted a thorough assessment of the company’s operations, identifying key areas for improvement. We developed a strategic plan that included resource efficiency measures and a comprehensive compliance framework. The client successfully reduced its carbon footprint by 30% within two years and enhanced its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen, leading to increased investor confidence and customer loyalty.

Community engagement strategy for an Australian mining company

An Australian mining company faced opposition from local communities regarding its operations and environmental practices. We assisted the company in developing a community engagement strategy that focused on transparent communication and genuine consultation with stakeholders and facilitated workshops to address community concerns. The mining company improved its relationships with local communities, resulting in smoother project approvals and enhanced social licence to operate, ultimately contributing to its long-term success.

Testimonials
  • They provide leading insights and work across their network of clients, which helps for context to see how other similar companies are preparing for the same issues.
    Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2025
  • They have an in-depth understanding of the relevant issues and are able to apply theory into practice. They are also adept at listening to and understanding the business needs of their clients.
    Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2025

Latest Thinking

Insight

Modern Slavery: proposed criminal offence for failure to prevent and civil penalties for non-compliant reporting

In a significant development for Australia’s modern slavery framework, the Australian Government announced plans on 16 July 2026 to introduce a new criminal offence for the failure to prevent modern slavery and reiterated its intention to introduce civil penalties and associated enforcement powers to address non-compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (Act).

17 July 2026

Insight

Sustainability reporting update: ASIC’s early observations, reform consultation, and the TISFD draft framework

As deadlines for mandatory sustainability reporting approach for Group 1 entities with a 30 June financial year end, ASIC has published its early observations (based on its review of a subset of reports) on the first wave of sustainability reports lodged by Group 1 entities with a 31 December financial year end.

22 June 2026

Insight

Federal Budget 2026-27: Environment / ESG / Future Made in Australia

The Budget introduces a range of measures across the Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water portfolio, headlined by $2.2 billion in savings over 14 years through the redirection of uncommitted funding from renewable energy and water programs.

12 May 2026

ESG: Enabling Sustainable Growth

Our experts from around the world share their knowledge and insights to help you to navigate a constantly evolving landscape. We make the complex simple.

Latest News

Mandatory Sustainability Reporting in Practice

Mandatory sustainability reporting has now come into force.

23 April 2026

KWM advises on financing of Western Australian battery project

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) is proud to have advised a syndicate of 10 financiers on the financing of the Atmos Renewables Merredin Battery. The deal reached financial close on 25 June 2025.

04 July 2025

KWM advises lender group on A$1.97 billion refinancing of Pacific Energy

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) is delighted to have acted for the lender group on the refinancing of Pacific Energy.

30 May 2025

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